Republican headquarters busier than ever

APPLE VALLEY — The Republican Party Headquarters in Apple Valley is reporting that more people than ever are coming in daily.

The headquarters, located on Highway 18, usually saw just one or two visitors a day, said Becky Otwell, who runs the volunteer-based operation.

But excitement over the upcoming election and the Republican National Convention has sparked interest in a growing number of residents.

One Wednesday, 60 people came in asking for signs, buttons and to register to vote, followed by 63 visitors the next day, said headquarters volunteer Richard Rorex.

"It's as busy as I've ever seen it," said Rorex, who in part attributes it to the RNC and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's vice presidential nomination. "It's wakened the people a little bit; they realize we have a chance to bring back America."

Otwell agrees, saying that people call Palin "Sarah" because they relate to her.

Otwell said the number of people visiting the headquarters started to increase after John McCain solidified his spot as the Republican presidential nominee.

Once the convention started, more and more people started coming in, Otwell said. Now local headquarters staffers are seeing at least 30 to 40 people each day.

The Victor Valley Democratic Club has just opened a headquarters of its own on Ridgecrest Road in Victorville.

There also has been excitement brewing among local Democrats, said Richard Turnbull, vice chair of the Victor Valley Democratic Club.

"There are a lot of Democrats that are concerned," Turnbull said. "Some are switching from Republican to Democrat because they are upset about Palin."

Democrats have narrowed the registration gap in San Bernardino County, traditionally a Republican stronghold. There are 3,601 less Democrats than Republicans, according to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters' Web site.

At this time last year, the difference was 32,295, according to the Secretary of State's Web site.

Either headquarters will register or change registration for residents no matter what party they are with.